Free vaccinations for Bendigo dogs

FREE parvovirus vaccinations will be on offer to Bendigo poochs next week.

The RSPCA's Mobile Animal Care unit will set up shop at the RSPCA Bendigo
Shelter next week and the RSPCA, with the help of Bendigo vets who will be
volunteering their time, will be offering free parvovirus vaccinations to all
Healthcare Card holders on Tuesday and Wednesday.

RSPCA Bendigo Shelter supervisor Mark Goodwin said would be the Mobile Animal
Care unit's first visit to Bendigo.

"They'll be bringing it up from Melbourne and it will be at the RSPCA
Bendigo Shelter and all animals will be seen in the truck," he said.

The free vaccinations are in response to a recent outbreak of parvovirus in
Bendigo, as reported by the Bendigo Advertiser last month.

The potentially fatal virus is spread through indirect and direct contact with
infected dog's faeces.

Warning signs of animals with parvovirus are lethargy and food aversion in the
first 24 hours, and then vomiting.

Mr Goodwin said parvovirus will still causing problems in Bendigo.

"We're hoping to get as many dogs in as we can that need the
vaccination," he said.